12/01/2022 ISSUE 48

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 51

HEALTH

ries and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon. or container away from sunlight, but
But it’s the type of fat in them that’s a few are best refrigerated.
most important. “What’s really linked
to [good] health is unsaturated fat that Which oils are bad for you? Pro-
comes from plant oils and plant fats,” cessed foods often contain palm,
Mozaffarian says. palm kernel and cottonseed oils.
Palm oils – which resist oxidation,
Fortunately, most cooking oils extending their shelf life – are found
are high in unsaturated fats, with a in many foods, including ice cream
combination of monounsaturated, and pizza. Most home cooks in the
polyunsaturated and saturated fats, United States. use other oils, but palm
albeit in different proportions. Those oils are a staple in African and Asian
proportions matter, because while kitchens. Cottonseed oil is used com-
monounsaturated and polyunsatu- mercially to give spreads their creamy
rated fats have been linked to a lower texture and lend a rich flavor to fried
risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease foods (such as potato chips). All three
and stroke, saturated fats have been are high in saturated fat, so check the
shown to raise blood levels of LDL package label before you buy. And
“bad” cholesterol. (High levels can palm oil production raises environ-
cause artery blockages that may lead mental concerns. Organizations in-
to heart attacks and strokes.) cluding the World Wildlife Fund say
certain methods are leading to defor-
Olive oil is a great choice due to its estation, endangering species.
high levels of good monounsaturated
fats, antioxidant polyphenols, low Are more expensive oils worth it?
amount of saturated fat and vitamins You might wonder why one olive oil
like E and K. Studies have shown that costs three times more than another
consuming olive oil can help lower when they’re both labeled “extra vir-
the risk of cardiovascular disease, gin” and the bottles contain the same
several types of cancer and death amount. Or why some types of oils are
from all causes. so much more expensive than stand-
bys such as canola.
“Two other oils for good health are
canola oil and soybean oil,” Mozaffar- One big reason is that mechanical
ian says. Both have ample amounts of methods (like the expeller pressing
polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 and used for cold-pressed extra-virgin
omega-6, which are essential fats that olive oil) are less efficient; they ex-
you can get only through your diet. tract less oil from the plant. So pro-
ducers have to start out with more
To limit saturated fat (the 2015-2020 raw materials, adding to the base
Dietary Guidelines for Americans sug- cost. And walnut, almond and avo-
gest keeping it to less than 10 percent cado crops (and to a lesser degree,
of your daily calories), you’ll want to coconut) have been hit by drought
use a light hand with coconut oil, but- and other challenges that affect the
ter and ghee. price of their oils.

Quick tip: If a fat is solid at room You can sauté your veggies in bar-
temperature (think: butter, ghee, un- gain olive oil just fine, but a cold-
refined coconut oil), it’s mostly satu- pressed artisanal olive oil might of-
rated. If it’s liquid, like a majority of fer more nutrients or a more complex
cooking oils, it’s mostly unsaturated. flavor that’s worth splurging on for
some dishes.
What are the different smoke points
of cooking oils? Every cooking oil has a Here’s how to save if you’d like to
specific smoke point, the temperature use specialty oils. Buy private label
at which it begins to smoke and burn. or store brands. They’re not only bet-
Try to fry with an oil that has a low ter priced than brand-name cooking
smoke point – such as walnut oil – and oils but also offer a quality that’s of-
you could end up with a smoky (and ten just as good. Examples include
possibly very dangerous) mess. Wellsley Farms Organic for BJ’s
Wholesale Club, Kirkland Signature
And then there’s flavor. Some cook- for Costco, Great Value for Walmart
ing oils have a neutral one that won’t and Good & Gather for Target.
steal the spotlight from your other in-
gredients. Others assert themselves a Shop at stores where cooking oils
little bit more, enlivening the taste of are permanently discounted. Pric-
your dish. A lot of the choice comes es at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco,
down to personal preference. Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart
and WinCo tend to be lower than at
But it’s wise to keep a few essen- other stores that have cut or elimi-
tials on hand: an olive oil for sauté- nated their usual promotional offers.
ing, dressings, dipping and drizzling;
canola or soybean for stir-frying, Buy in bulk or stock up on multiples
deep-frying and baking; coconut oil of the same size. But check best-by
for dairy-free baking or when you dates because oils should be used
want a mild tropical note; and plain within 30 to 60 days after opening.
or toasted sesame oil for stir-frying or
adding aromatic flavor. Time your purchases. Cooking oils
are typically discounted in stores
For freshness, most cooking oils during the first week of the month. 
should be stored in a dark glass bottle

52 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s: Here’s what you need to know

BY LAURIE MCGINLEY are on the way. The tests are seen as detect a sticky protein called amy- a price but said its test is much cheap-
The Washington Post an important scientific advance but loid beta, while others look for an- er than amyloid PET scans, which can
have ignited debate about how and other protein called tau. Some search cost $5,000 or more. All the compa-
Few illnesses instill as much fear when they should be used. for both or other markers of disease. nies are working to secure broader
as Alzheimer’s, a fatal neurodegen- The abnormal accretions of amyloid insurance coverage.
erative disease that destroys memory Some experts say much more re- plaques and tau tangles are the defin-
and identity. The dread is compound- search is needed before the new tests ing characteristics of Alzheimer’s. Eli Lilly and Roche also have devel-
ed by the uncertainty that often sur- can be widely deployed, especially oped tests but for now are using them
rounds the diagnosis of the most in primary-care settings. Others say So far, the tests have been used only in trials. In addition, Labcorp in
common form of dementia. there already is sufficient informa- mostly in clinical trials, but a few are July began offering a test for neurode-
tion on the accuracy of some tests. being sold on the commercial market. generation that may occur because of
Brain autopsies remain the only All agree that no single test is perfect They are designed to complement head trauma or disease, including Al-
way to know for sure whether some- and physicians still should perform a doctors’ assessments based on symp- zheimer’s; the company said its test is
one had the disease, which the Cen- complete clinical assessment. toms and other tests, not replace covered by Medicare.
ters for Disease Control and Preven- them.
tion estimates affects 6.5 million Widespread use of the tests may be Some experts say it is too early
people in the United States. Over the some time off in the future – after in- If you have concerns about memory to use the tests in regular clinical
past several years, sophisticated tests surance coverage improves and even or reasoning issues, you should talk to care. Others say they can be used in
such as spinal taps and specialized more accurate next-generation tests your family and doctor. Just because memory centers with confirmatory
PET scans have become available – become available. For now, none of the tests are available does not mean tests such as PET scans or spinal taps.
but they are invasive and costly and the Alzheimer’s-specific tests is cov- people should try to get them, experts Some say the tests are a useful tool
not routinely used. ered by Medicare, and private insur- say. that can be used broadly once they
ance coverage is patchy. are covered by insurance.
As a result, Alzheimer’s is frequently At least three tests – by C2N Diag-
misdiagnosed, especially in the early In the past few years, scientific and nostics, Quest Diagnostics and Quan- Still, many scientists agree on an
stages. Other illnesses, including de- technological advances have made terix – are available in most states important point: that the tests, which
pression, can have similar symptoms it possible to detect in the blood tiny outside clinical trials. must be ordered by doctors, should
and require other treatments. fragments of brain proteins implicat- be reserved for people with cognitive
ed in Alzheimer’s. Quest, which charges $500, said problems – persistent memory or log-
But simple blood tests designed to some health plans are paying for its ic issues, not just the occasional for-
help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s That has prompted experts in aca- test. C2N charges $1,250 and offers getfulness we all experience because
now are on the market – and more demia and industry to develop blood financial assistance for eligible pa- of normal aging or stress.
tests for the disease. Some of the tests tients. Quanterix declined to provide

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 53

HEALTH

“The test results are intended to be ner, Biogen, worked to modestly slow classic couch potato, get off your thew Schrag, a neurologist at Vanderbilt
used in adults presenting with cogni- Alzheimer’s disease. It was the first duff and get going.” University School of Medicine.
tive impairment who are being evalu- therapy to do so in a well-run trial.
ated for [Alzheimer’s disease] and The Food and Drug Administration Even if new treatments for Alzheim- But other experts are eager to use
must be interpreted in conjunction could decide whether to approve the er’s are not cleared, many experts say, the blood tests, saying they will help
with other diagnostic tools,” Quan- drug as soon as January. it is important for patients to know provide clarity to patients.
terix said in a statement in July when their diagnoses so they can plan for
it launched its test. Recently, in a sign of the roller- the future. Trying to hide such a di- Demetrius M. Maraganore, chair-
coaster nature of Alzheimer’s, a drug agnosis is an echo of the 1960s, when man of the neurology department at
C2N uses a similar description, and by Roche failed in clinical trials. A people were not told they had cancer. Tulane University School of Medicine,
company officials stress that their medication by Eli Lilly is in late-stage who took part in a study sponsored by
test is not designed for the “worried testing. “If people are having cognitive C2N, said he would start using that
well” group of people. symptoms, they deserve to know test immediately if it was covered by
If a new treatment is approved by their diagnosis,” said Howard Fillit, Medicare and insurance.
Quest says its test is for people with the FDA and gains Medicare cover- co-founder and chief science officer
or without symptoms. Quest relies age, blood tests could play a key role at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery “The point is that patients seek
on physicians “to use their own dis- in determining who might benefit. Foundation, a nonprofit group that an end to their diagnostic journey,”
cretion when ordering tests,” said Doctors will want to make sure pa- helps fund research into the disease. Maraganore said. “This will help
spokeswoman Kimberly Gorode, tients have amyloid in their brains “If they test positive, they will get cer- them to flip the page and start focus-
adding that the test’s “clinical utility before prescribing the medications. tainty. If they test negative, maybe ing on acceptance and getting the
will increase once there is an FDA- they have depression or a different support they need.”
approved treatment for Alzheimer’s Down the road, after more research type of dementia that might be treat-
disease.” is conducted, the blood tests might be ed differently.” None of the tests have been ap-
used to alert people, even those with- proved by the FDA. Under the FDA’s
Some patients with cognitive issues out symptoms, that they have elevat- Many experts, even those enthu- current policy, agency approval is not
take a fatalistic approach toward Al- ed amyloid and tau in their brains, siastic about the tests, say that while required for laboratory-developed
zheimer’s, saying an exact diagnosis putting them at risk for Alzheimer’s. they can be used carefully by special- tests – which are developed and pro-
is not necessary because little can Patients could start a preventive ther- ists in memory centers, there should cessed by a single laboratory. The
be done. Currently available treat- apy early if one exists. Or they could be more research before they are current tests are those types of tests.
ments target symptoms and often are pursue healthier lifestyles. used in primary-care settings. Some They are regulated under the Clini-
not effective. They do not change the specialists say they want more data cal Laboratory Improvement Amend-
course of the disease. “Knowing your risk can be a huge- on how the tests work for patients of ments program under the Centers for
ly positive motivator,” said Leslie M. different races, ethnic groups and Medicare and Medicaid Services.
But Alzheimer’s treatments may Shaw, a pathologist and Alzheim- genders.
be improving. Recently reported re- er’s researcher at the University of Still, some of the manufacturers are
sults showed that an experimental Pennsylvania. “You want to know how the specific seeking the FDA’s imprimatur, saying
drug called lecanemab, by Japanese tests perform in different patients so agency approval would assure health-
drugmaker Eisai and its U.S. part- “Make the changes we now know you can really interpret them,” said Mat- care providers and insurers about the
are important. Instead of being a value of the tests. 

54 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

‘Most common crippling hand condition’ you’ve never heard of

BY MARLENE CIMONS the condition mistakenly
The Washington Post assume they have arthritis
or tendinitis, or they don’t
Fifteen years ago, Jack Schultz first notice a problem until their
noticed several of his fingers curling fingers start to bend.
inward toward his palm. Schultz, 75,
of Columbia Station, Ohio, a retired “It tends to progress very
manager of a plastics company, was slowly,” Eaton says, add-
perplexed. “What is this?” he recalls ing that only about a fifth of
asking his doctor. “And can you fix it?” those with early signs of the
disease will develop severely
The doctor knew what it was: Du- bent fingers. In about 10 per-
puytren’s disease (also known as Du- cent, the lumps will disap-
puytren’s contracture), a hand de- pear, while the remainder
formity that usually takes years to will experience no changes,
advance and often begins with lumps, or bent fingers not serious
or nodules, that are sometimes pain- enough to require interven-
ful, in the layer of connective tissue tion, he says.
under the skin in the palm. The lumps
can develop into cords that pull one or Eaton’s group is enroll-
more fingers into a bent position, often ing people with and with-
the ones farthest from the thumb, such out Dupuytren’s for a study
as the ring finger and pinkie. that will collect and analyze
blood samples to discover
It’s “the most common crippling a biomarker – one or more
hand condition that people have never molecules unique to Du-
heard of,” says Charles Eaton, executive puytren’s – that could help
director of the Dupuytren Research scientists design drugs to
Group, which estimates that at least 10 treat it. This would be a first
million Americans have Dupuytren’s. in Dupuytren research, Ea-
ton says.
When problems begin, many with

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 55

HEALTH

The disease is incurable, but there stead of waiting for it to get bad, do help slow progression of the disease.” he says. “Dupuytren’s is a scarring
are noninvasive therapies as well as something simple.” One hitch: Although the therapy is condition, and surgery is a scarring
surgical treatments, the latter usually procedure, so there can be failure.”
reserved for those with advanced dis- Treatments FDA-approved for treating other mus-
ease. But even with treatment, symp- One do-it-yourself approach for mild culoskeletal conditions, it is still an Open surgery generally works bet-
toms often recur and can impair the disease is padding, or building up han- “off-label” remedy for Dupuytren’s and ter for more severe bends and lasts
quality of life. dles with pipe insulation or cushioning not widely in use for treating the condi- longer, but it also has a higher perma-
tape, and using deeply padded gloves tion. nent complication rate, Eaton says,
“I can drive, but I have a problem for tasks that require heavy grasping, and patients can experience pain,
holding things,” says Schultz, who such as weightlifting and hedge-trim- Surgery is the most frequently rec- swelling, nerve injuries that cause
has had five surgeries – four in his left ming. ommended treatment for advanced numbness, problems with circula-
hand, one in his right – and may need If that doesn’t help, other early treat- disease. This involves an incision to re- tion to the finger and hand stiffness.
two more because both his hands are ments include: move the affected tissue to straighten
worsening again. “I have to be care- Needling. The approach involves the fingers. Denkler says the disease And “if the problem comes back,
ful picking up a bottle or a thermos inserting a needle through the skin to recurs within five years in up to 25 the risk of complications from repeat
because I can’t open my fingers wide break up the cords of tissue causing the percent of patients who have invasive surgery are even greater,” he adds.
enough. I used to play a lot of golf, but contracture. It can be repeated if bend- surgery. “The minimally invasive procedures
now I have trouble holding a golf club.” ing returns. There are no incisions, and have a much lower complication rate
the procedure requires little physical “When you do surgery, you are cut- and a much faster recovery.” 
The ‘tabletop’ test therapy afterward. The practitioner, ting out the tissue, but it can re-form,”
Gary Pess, a hand surgeon and however, needs to be careful not to
medical director of Central Jersey damage a nerve or tendon.
Hand Surgery in New Jersey, agrees Injections. Doctors inject an en-
that the condition can be life-altering. zyme into the taut cords to try to soften
“It’s hard to do the simple things you and weaken them so they can be bro-
love to do,” he says. “It’s difficult to ken and allow fingers to straighten.
hold a child or put your hand in your One product, collagenase clostridium
pocket. You can’t open your hand to histolyticum (marketed as Xiaflex), has
grab something that is large. If you are been approved by the Food and Drug
an artist, a pianist, a surgeon, it will Administration for this use. Some
interfere with your career.” doctors recommend cortisone injec-
Risk factors include a family his- tions for early disease. Other injectable
tory of the disease, increasing age (the treatments are under study.
chances of developing Dupuytren’s Radiotherapy. Low energy X-rays di-
rise steadily after age 50), Scandina- rected at the nodules can soften them
vian or Northern European ancestry, and help prevent contractions. This is
tobacco and alcohol use, use of seizure most effective during early stages of
medication and diabetes. It occurs the disease, but it is not widely used in
more commonly in men than women. the United States.
Doctors usually recommend surgery Extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
if patients cannot pass the “tabletop” Some studies suggest it can be effec-
test, that is, when they can’t lay their tive in reducing pain and slowing the
hands flat on a table palms down. But progression of Dupuytren’s disease.
don’t wait for this to happen before “It works by angiogenesis or creat-
seeing a doctor, experts warn. “There ing new blood vessel formation,” says
is a much better success rate when you John L. Ferrell III, director of sports
treat early,” Pess says. medicine for Washington, D.C.- based
Keith Denkler, a Larkspur, Calif., Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports
plastic surgeon who estimates he has Medicine. “If we are able to treat Du-
treated about 10,000 Dupuytren’s fin- puytren’s disease at its earliest stage,
gers over the years, agrees. “We can’t we can increase blood flow into this
cure it, but we can improve hand area, where there is a poor blood sup-
function and stave off its worst ef- ply. This seems to decrease pain and
fects,” he says. “My philosophy is: In-

56 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DETECT AN ANEURYSM

BY FRED CICETTI been developed to repair an aneu- pect questions from your doctors re- sis. You can get it from cat feces. Cat-
Columnist rysm using less-invasive surgery. In garding your anesthesia. The follow- Scratch Disease (CSD) may cause fever,
the procedure, a stent-graft made of a ing have to be considered: medical fatigue, headache and swollen lymph
Q. How can I tell if I have an aneu- polyester tube inside a metal cylinder problems you might have, medica- glands. Most cat scratches don’t devel-
rysm? is inserted into the bloodstream at tions you take, whether you smoke or op into CSD.
the end of a catheter. The stent-graft drink alcohol, any allergies you have,
A. There are many ways. is positioned to carry the blood flow previous negative experience with Worms can infect dogs, cats and hu-
Aneurysms are dangerous artery instead of the aneurysm. anesthesia, and adverse reactions to mans. Worms live in the intestines of
bulges that can be lethal if they burst. anesthesia by other family members. animals and are expelled in the stool.
Fortunately, aneurysms can be Q. How safe is anesthesia today? The information collected by your Yards and homes can become contam-
detected by a physical examination, doctors guides them in their treat- inated from worm eggs that are passed
X-ray, ultrasound and modern imag- A. Anesthesia is still risky, but to- ment. in animal feces and hatch in the soil.
ing systems such as a CAT scan or an day it is safer than ever for all age
MRI. groups. Your age is not as important Q. Can pets make you sick? People usually get salmonellosis
The size and location of the an- a risk factor as your medical condi- by eating contaminated food. But it
eurysm determines the treatment tion and the type of surgery you are A. Animal diseases that can be can also be transmitted to people
method. For example, aneurysms in having. transmitted to humans are known through pets, particularly reptiles,
the upper chest are usually operated as “zoonoses.” Seniors are among the baby chicks and ducklings, which
on immediately. Aneurysms in the Safer drugs and major advances in most vulnerable to zooneses. commonly pass the Salmonella bac-
lower chest and the area below your the monitoring equipment doctors terium in their feces.
stomach are watched at first. If they use in surgery have reduced anesthe- Psittacosis is a common bird dis-
grow too large or cause symptoms, sia complications. In the last decade ease known as “parrot fever.” It oc- Rabies, a deadly viral disease, is
surgery may be required. alone, deaths caused by anesthesia curs frequently in birds such as para- transmitted through the saliva of a
The standard treatment for aneu- have dropped 25-fold, to 1 in 250,000. keets and cockatiels. Bacteria in bird rabid animal, usually by a bite. Do-
rysm once it meets the indications for droppings and nasal discharges can mestic animals account for less than
surgery is replacement of that weak- In addition, shorter-acting drugs, be inhaled. Psittacosis can develop 10 percent of the reported animal ra-
ened portion of the aorta with an ar- more specific drugs and new intrave- into pneumonia and other health bies cases.
tificial graft. nous drugs can minimize the nausea problems.
In recent years, a treatment has and vomiting that sometimes occur Mycobacterium is one of the main
after anesthesia Cats can carry a parasite that infectious germ families associated
causes the disease toxoplasmo- with fish and aquarium water. Peo-
Before your surgery, you can ex- ple should wear rubber gloves when
cleaning a fish tank. 



58 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

Measles is ‘imminent threat’ globally, WHO and CDC warn

BY ANDREW JEONG and 60,700 in 2020. That increase came occur, but only around 81 percent of al Health Service.
The Washington Post amid poorer disease surveillance and children globally have received their The WHO has previously warned
vaccine campaigns that were delayed first dose, and 71 percent their second,
Measles, the preventable but highly by the pandemic, the WHO and CDC the two bodies said. that the dip in measles infections early
infectious disease, could be on the said. in the pandemic was the “calm before
verge of a comeback after a lull in Measles, which starts with cold-like the storm.”
the immediate months following the Vaccination can also confer benefits symptoms, undermines the immune
emergence of the coronavirus, the to one’s community, a concept known system, making those infected more “Routine immunization must be
World Health Organization and the as herd immunity. About 95 percent of susceptible to other diseases. Seizures protected and strengthened” despite
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and a population needs to be vaccinated and blindness are possible in some in- the coronavirus, said Kate O’Brien,
Prevention said last Wednesday. with two doses for herd immunity to stances, according to Britain’s Nation- WHO’s director of immunization, vac-
cines and biologicals, last year. Other-
Calling measles an “imminent wise, “we risk trading one deadly dis-
threat in every region of the world,” ease for another.”
the two public health bodies said in a
report that almost 40 million children Hur Jian, an infectious-disease ex-
missed their vaccine doses last year. pert at South Korea’s Yeungnam Uni-
They said 25 million children did not versity Medical Center, said the recent
receive their first dose, while an ad- rebound in global travel portends a
ditional 14.7 million children missed probable return of measles even in
their second shot, marking a record wealthy countries with higher vaccine
high in missed vaccinations. coverage. Younger generations who
have had less exposure to the disease
The number of measles infections may have weaker defenses, she added.
has declined over the past two de-
cades, though it remains a mortal The United States declared that it
threat, particularly for unvaccinated had eradicated measles – defined as
young children in the developing no transmission for a year and a well-
world. But there were an estimated 9 performing surveillance system – in
million cases and 128,000 deaths glob- 2000, but occasional outbreaks still oc-
ally last year, up from 7.5 million cases cur. This year 50-plus cases have been
detected in the United States, accord-
ing to the CDC. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 59

HEALTH

Study: Visually impaired people less likely to access healthcare

BY ERIN BLAKEMORE People with vision impairment were
The Washington Post about 7 percent less likely to have
health insurance and about 4 percent
Blindness and vision loss are among less likely to have a regular healthcare
the top 10 disabilities among adults in provider. The number who said they’d
the United States. But a new analysis had a regular health checkup in the
by the Centers for Disease Control and past year was about the same as those
Prevention suggests people with im- without vision problems. They were
paired vision aren’t getting the health also less likely to have had a dentist
care they need. visit within the past year; 52.9 percent
said they’d gone to the dentist in the
The study, published in the CDC past year, compared with 67.2 percent
journal Preventing Chronic Disease, of people without vision impairment.
examines 2018 data from the Behav-
ioral Risk Factor Surveillance Sys- The starkest difference was related to
tem, which collects information from cost, however. People with vision prob-
400,000 U.S. adults each year. About 5 lems were more than twice as likely as
percent of the people surveyed in 2018 their counterparts to say they had an
reported blindness or serious difficulty unmet health need because of cost –
seeing even with glasses. 29.2 percent vs. 12.6 percent.

The analysis shows disparities be- More research is needed to under-
tween people with vision impairment stand barriers to healthcare for people
and their counterparts without vision with vision impairment, the research-
problems. They reported significant ers write. Past studies have shown sim-
health differences: 50.2 percent said ilar gaps in health insurance coverage
they had fair or poor general health and cost concerns.
compared with just 16.8 percent of
those who didn’t report vision prob- The CDC estimates that about 3.22
lems. They also were more likely to re- million people in the United States
port other disabilities. have impaired vision and 1.02 million
are blind. 

60 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Style Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

Why the golden age of Gucci is over

BY LISA ARMSTRONG back, parlaying his already well-known
The Telegraph name into an eponymous brand he has
just sold to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion.
After seven years as its star designer,
Alessandro Michele has left the house – These days, designers have the same
but what does this mean for the brand? responsibilities, even more pressure
(the number of shows they’re expect-
Alessandro Michele, the man who ed to conjure up has quadrupled), but
“rescued Gucci,” is to leave after seven beyond the cognoscenti, they’re un-
years as its star designer. The fact that known. It’s in the brand’s interests to
you may not know his name tells you keep it this way. Bottega Veneta, part of
everything about the fashion industry the same group as Gucci, this year part-
today and its thuggish churn through ed ways with its creative director, Dan-
talent. If anything it’s an even more iel Lee, who also seemed at the top of his
ruthless business than it was 30 years game. The hand over to his successor,
ago, when it first deified its pet design- Matthieu Blazy has been seamless.
ers and then, to varying degrees, de-
stroyed them. Alexander McQueen, Already there is speculation about
John Galliano and Marc Jacobs were all who will take over at Gucci from 49-year-
victims of that era, as a fascinating four- old Michele, with two names already at
part documentary called “Kingdom of Gucci being mooted. As anyone who
Dreams” lays out – but it’s worse today. watched last year’s Lady Gaga vehicle,
“House of Gucci,” can attest, this house
In the 1990s, creative directors at the is unique. In an industry addicted to
big brands were stars in their own right drama, Gucci is chief addict. It’s seen
– that gave them some leverage. Tom coups, near bankruptcy, takeovers, a
Ford, who openly speaks of this 10 lost murder and several Lazurus like reviv-
years, after he was unceremoniously als. And boy is it prone to brutal kiss-offs,
fired from Gucci and struggled with even when the victims are seemingly
drink and drugs, eventually bounced at the height of their powers – as Tom
Ford, who was ousted in 2004 after the

Alessandro Michele

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Style Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 61

house was acquired by Francois Pinault, gathering dust in the archives, such as geist seemed infallible. that the more accessible accesso-
the fourth richest man in France, knows the Jackie (a hobo bag that had been a True, he was essentially riffing on ries – the small camera bags and the
too well. The richest man in France is staple of Jackie Kennedy’s) to Grace Kel- sneakers – are still prized by millions
Bernard Arnault, Pinault’s arch rival ly’s favorite bamboo-handled bag. his beloved 1970s tropes, but there was of aspirational fashion fans. But rev-
who owns LVMH, whose brands include something for everyone, whether it was enues have lagged behind other mega
Celine, Dior, Fendi and Louis Vuitton. Julia Roberts, Serena Williams, Jared a minimalist looking for a knockout vel- brands since the pandemic – most no-
Leto, Adele, Nicole Kidman, Beyonce ... vet trouser suit, or an octogenarian look- tably, those in the LVMH group. And
Ford had saved Gucci from bankrupt- It might be quicker to list the celebrities ing for an updated monogrammed tote. in today’s climate, there is no room for
cy. Michele saved it from irrelevancy. In from Old and New Hollywood, as well coasting, creative pauses, or regroup-
2015, it was a $2.08 billion-a-year busi- as musicians and artists, who didn’t His most recent two shows were ing. It’s survival of the fittest. 
ness, coasting on robotic reiterations queue up to wear Gucci. And it wasn’t critical blockbusters and a visit to any
of Ford’s original 1990s vision for the only because they liked the aesthetic, affluent city in the world confirmed
brand. Michele, who by then had been but because wearing it made them look
working for 13 years in the backrooms as though they were at ease with the
and knew the house inside-out, turned world’s rapidly changing mores.
every last tenet it stood for on its head.
Out went the slick, sleek, Americanized, I was at Michele’s first show in March
highly-sexualized minimalism, and in 2015, one of those rare debuts that
its place came a romantic and gender- changes everything in fashion. I’m not
fluid maximalism, which is now so just talking about the 1970s meets Pre-
commonplace on the public stage (wit- Raphaelite aesthetic that subsequently
ness Harry Styles on the cover of Vogue swept across the globe – you can still see
in a dress), we forget how rebellious it it everywhere this Christmas – but the
seemed in 2016. Sure, David Bowie was cracking open of fashion’s tight (and up-
dubbed a “gender bender” by the more tight) beauty prism. Michele liked out-
florid sections of the media back in Mi- siders and people who didn’t conform
chele’s beloved 1970s, but machismo to conventional standards of beauty. As
rapidly reasserted itself in fashion in the well as, of course, dressing the likes of
decades that followed. Harry Styles and Jared Leto, his muses
have included gardeners and British
Michele’s embrace of the ambivalence trainspotters he spotted on TikTok.
– cross-dressing gender-fluid “models,”
often plucked from the streets or his All very cute and kooky, but what
own work studios – tapped into a rejec- was remarkable was how this appar-
tion of the status quo that was spreading ent whimsy proved a commercial
through societies post Me Too. He cap- juggernaut. Gucci’s annual reports
tivated Gen Z and Boomers alike, with a spiked 25 percent. Michele acquired
seemingly endless slew of off-the-wall, a prophet-like presence – and not just
but instantly desirable, luxury accesso- because, with his flowing locks, beard
ries, from furry backless Gucci loafers to and knack of speaking gnomic riddles,
re-proportioned legends that had been he looked and sounded like one, but
because his connection with the zeit-

62 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Style Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

The simple accessory that will elevate any outfit

BY MELISSA TWIGG are signs of a gradual fightback – fash- made equal, of course: By the 1970s
The Telegraph ion labels such as Prada, Paul Smith ties had shrunken to narrow propor-
and Gucci recently sent ties down the tions on the likes of David Bowie (a
Before COVID killed it off, the tie was catwalk, and at a recent blockbuster trend subsequently repeated in the
losing prevalence thanks to a more ca- Ralph Lauren show in Los Angeles, early ’00s thanks to Dior Homme’s
sual, open-collar approach – but there John Legend and Ben Affleck buttoned shrunken silhouettes).
are signs of a comeback. up properly in neat ties and shirts.
Then there’s the novelty tie, which
“Always wear a collar and tie in a There’s a certain ceremony to put- has a lot to answer for; kitschy, bad
town, even if it’s by the sea, after six ting on a tie; the methodical thread- taste varieties on your ‘comedy’ uncle
o’clock,” decreed that great arbiter ing, the sense of rightness when it’s put a lot of people off them altogether.
of style Hardy Amies, dressmaker to adjusted just so, as seen on the time-
the late Queen Elizabeth II, who pub- lessly stylish Johnny Carson in 1975. This is unfortunate, because there’s
lished the advice in his 1964 rule book Ties are things of beauty, not neces- a rich variety on offer beyond standard
“The ABC of Men’s Fashion.” sarily essential in today’s world, but an silk: knitted varieties, for example, or
elegant final flourish. You can’t imag- ties crafted in wool. Mr. Amies might
Amies would be somewhat despair- just have the last word
ing of the tie’s recent relegation; even ine Robert Redford’s
before the pandemic, the once-ubiq- Gatsby in anything to say on the subject
uitous accessory was becoming less but a shirt and tie. after all – espe-
prevalent in men’s wardrobes thanks to Not all ties are cially after
a more casual, open-collar approach. six o’clock. 
COVID – and the work-at-home man-
dates – all but killed it off completely,
with little need for shirts let alone ties.

It doesn’t help that shirt shapes have
changed in recent years too: Today, soft-
fit or grandad collars are as likely to be
worn with blazers as the stiffer variet-
ies, rendering ties off-limits. But there

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Style Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 63

Why sequins are all we want for Christmas this year

BY MELISSA TWIGG always taught me.”
The Telegraph Of course, we should

Universally flattering whatever all wear our sequins
your age, shape or size, sparkles however we wish this
are making a splash this holiday season, but in general
season. they look better with a
looser silhouette rather
Like ordering a frothy, col- than anything too tight
orful cocktail with a jazzy – mostly because you need
paper umbrella on the side, the laid-back slouchiness
a woman wearing sequins of flared trousers, a high-
is signaling something – neck top or a midi-skirt
mostly that she is out to to contrast with the high-
have some fun and wants ev- octane glamour of the
eryone else to know it. material itself. I prefer
jackets or skirts in silver or
Perhaps it is no coincidence other metallics, but a pink
that after the years we have or blue can look equally
been having, sequins are scat- good.
tered across many fashion
brands. It was depressing all However you wear them,
the time – but after two Christ- remember that – more than
mases of pandemic related trends – sequins are about
chaos, we’re determined to optimism. They’re eye-
enjoy ourselves, and we’ve got
the outfits to prove it. catching, yes, but more
importantly, they’re in-
Hence party wear sales be- herently cheerful. And
ing up 97 percent year on year what could be a better
– and sequins being crowned best-in-
show. They’re now the second most note to end a difficult
searched-for term on the Marks & year on? 
Spencer website (pipped only to the
post by advent calendars). In fact, year you can wear sequins every
so rapidly are sequins selling out at day and be marked as the deliverer
brands that getting your hands on the of festive cheer. They are universally
shiny little buggers is proving more flattering for every age, shape and
difficult than you might think. size. And I say go big or don’t go at
all. Embrace the sequin maxi, three
M&S alone has sold over 10,000 se- piece suit or wide leg trousers. Se-
quin tops since September while de- quins bring smiles. They can do no
mand for their sequin midi-skirt is up wrong.”
325 percent year on year. They’ve also
nearly sold out of their look-at-me sil- Yes, this year it’s arguably not enough
ver sequined three piece suit. to have a jazzy little patch of sparkle on
your sweater – what you want is the sort
“This idea of being unified and em- of over-the-top, drowning in sequins
bracing the festive season is really outfit that would make your average Pa-
important, especially this year,” says risian tut in disbelief if you walked into
fashion and behavioral psychologist a smart cafe in St. Germain wearing it.
Professor Carolyn Mair. “What we
wear can not only help us feel good Some of the most stylish women
about ourselves, it can also boost our in France are themselves swapping
mood and confidence … as a result, we their perennial navy blue looks for a
reach out for bright colors and shiny little razzle dazzle. Lola Rykiel is the
fabrics such as satin and of course, the granddaughter of famous fashion
shiniest of all fabrics, sequins.” designer Sonia Rykiel and she has
opened a boutique called PomPom
Magpies embracing glitter this sea- on Paris’ Left Bank that is filled with
son include those who probably aren’t sequin tops and dresses.
all that worried about the price of gas:
Heidi Klum, Brooke Shields, Olivia Wil- “I am bored of the whole trenchcoat
de and Amber Valetta – all of whom, no- and baguette bag look – that’s been
tably, are well over 40 (aside from Wilde done to death,” says Rykiel. “I think
who is 38). modern Parisian style isn’t about indi-
vidual pieces so much as being unex-
“Sequins are the little black dress pected but also comfortable. Personal-
of the festive season,” says fashion ly, I would never wear a tight sequined
writer Emily Jane Johnston, who dress and heels on New Year’s Eve, but
recently released a video of herself I would wear a long-sleeved sequined
styling the M&S sequin three-piece top with loose jeans and ballet flats
four ways. “This is the one time of for dinner with friends. You have to be
comfortable first and beautiful sec-
ond – that’s the rule my grandmother

64 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

WINE COLUMN

The best wine books of 2022 get up close and personal

BY DAVE MCINTYRE their travels around vineyards. critic. “To Fall in Love, Drink This,” Valkyries” is a collection of
The Washington Post her latest, is more personal. Jefford’s columns, mostly
“To Fall in Love, Drink This” for Decanter magazine. In
This was the year of wine By Alice Feiring (Scribner, 269 pag- For Feiring, wine is about connec- such short doses he em-
writer memoirs. Who knew es, $17) tions – to nature, to the world, and ploys several moods, from
we live such interesting While Johnson is a traditional- most of all to other people: would-be the giddy delight of drink-
lives? ist, Alice Feiring is a firebrand. This lovers, even a chatty plumber who ing young vintage port (the
country’s leading proponent of nat- shares his own vulnerabilities while column that lends its title
My favorite wine books ural wine, Feiring burst onto the taking too long to fix her toilet. to the book) to somber re-
to recommend for holi- wine scene in 2008 with “The Battle flection during the quiet
day gifts this year include for Wine and Love: Or How I Saved “Drinking with the Valkyries” of coronavirus pandemic
memoirs from two writ- the World from Parkerization.” The By Andrew Jefford (Académie du Vin lockdown in France, where
ers who are as different as book is a memoir as well as a battle Library, 224 pages, $35) he lives, when the arrival
can be while still focused cry against a not entirely imaginary Andrew Jefford is of the British of nightingales on their
on a mutual love of wine, world in which most wine conformed school, a generation younger than spring migration from Af-
a valedictory collection of to the preferences of one all-powerful Johnson, having begun his wine writ- rica reminded him that un-
columns from a celebrated ing career in 1988. “Drinking with the derneath the stillness, the
writer’s long career, and a world still moved.
new edition of what may be
the indispensable guide to Jefford’s essays are like
wine for our time. that glass of wine at day’s
end – restorative, uplifting
“The Life and Wines of and enlightening. You may
Hugh Johnson” want to read another before
putting down the bottle – I
By Hugh Johnson (Aca- mean, the book.
démie du Vin Library, 252
pages, $45) “The Wine Bible”
By Karen MacNeil (Workman, 736
The venerable British writer has pages, $40 for paperback)
helped ignite many a reader’s love of New wine lovers beginning to ex-
wine (including mine) with books plore the horizons beyond the glass or
such as “Vintage: The Story of Wine” anyone needing a one-stop reference
and “The World Atlas of Wine,” now book should look no further than the
in its eighth edition (and co-authored third edition of “The Wine Bible.”
by Jancis Robinson). “The Life and MacNeil has updated this third edi-
Wines of Hugh Johnson” is an updat- tion with color photos (finally) and
ed revision of his 2005 work, “Wine: A new sections on ancient wine history
Life Uncorked.” Rather than loading and climate change. I enjoy opening
us with statistics of vineyard acre- the book at random. I’m always cer-
age and soil types, Johnson takes us tain to see something new through
along as he recounts his own journeys MacNeil’s authoritative, whimsical
exploring the world of wine. This is a and ever-joyful perspective. 
don’t-miss book for people who plan

Enj

fresh seafood craft cocktails

and fantastic wines while r

overlooking the ocean

beachfront seating

3500 ocean drive, vero beach | @heatonsverobeach | heatonsverobeach.com

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 65

Vero & Casual Dining

Fine Dining, Elevated
Exciting Innovative Cuisine
Award Winning Wine List

Unparalleled Service

Expanded outdoor dining in The Café.
Proud recipient of Trip Advisor’s

Traveler’s Choice Award placing us in
“The Top 10% of restaurants worldwide”.

Wine Spectator Award (772) 234-3966 • tidesofvero.com
2002 – 2021 Open 7 Days a Week Starting at 5 PM
3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL

Reservations Highly Recommended • Proper Attire Appreciated

66 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

Vero & Casual Dining

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 67

Vero & Casual Dining

NOW OFFERING ONLINE ORDERS
NINOSRESTAURANTS.COM

BeOanTchhe side Excellence
AwardWinner
Now Offering Gluten Free Cauliflower Crust Pizza
“The Best Authentic

Cannelloni in Vero Beach”

772.231.9311

1006 Easter Lily Lane, Vero Beach
Hours: Sun-Thurs:11am-9 pm
Fri-Sat:11am-10 pm

LARGE OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE
DELIVERY AVAILABLE FOR DINNER
Established in 1981 Where the Locals Go for Pizza

Where Vero goes
for a Lil bit
of Ireland!

Chef
Chet Perrotti

CELEBRATE OPEN Innovative Mediterranean Cuisine & Gourmet Market
THE HOLNIDewAYPSrix CHRISTMAS EVE
Take Out & Delivery
FCiCHxRLIeSOTMMSAES DDeAnY u Deli & Prepared Foods Available
Take & Bake Pizza • Beer & Wine
WITH US
Pre-Fixe Specials, $18
DJ  Champagne Toast Includes Entree, Salad, & Bread
Open New Year’s Day
$6 Glass Wine
2019 14th Ave  (772) 217-2183
seanryanpub.com Featuring Gluten-FreHeoPuizrzsa, Pasta and Entrees
Market Hours: Mon-Sat 10am - close

772.234.4181 • 1409 S. A1A, Vero Beach • www.johnnydsvero.com

68 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

Vero & Casual Dining

PARTY PLATTERS AVAILABLE

OPEN

WEDNESDAY -
SUNDAY

ORDER ONLINE FOR
DELIVERY OR PICKUP

THROUGH

Pizzoodles.com
or ToastTakeout.com

SALADS, PASTA, VEAL,
CHICKEN , SUBS
AND DESSERTS

OPEN FOR DINNER WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY BEGINNING AT 4 PM. CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY.

56 Royal Palm Pointe  772-567-4160  Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

TUESDAY NIGHT
ALL YOU CAN
EAT FISH FRY

HAPPY HOUR 4-6
TUES.- SAT.

FRESH FISH PLUS
BURGERS, CHICKEN

SANDWICHES,
SALADS & MORE

TUES OPEN FOR DINNER AT 4

WED-SAT OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER
CLOSED SUNDAYS & MONDAYS

1931 Old Dixie • 772.770.0977 Follow Us

fishackverobeach.com • Like us on Facebook!
Gift Certificates & Private Parties Available

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 69

ONGOING Beach Guild, with an eclectic selection of rock,
disco and pop, with food from Off the Hook
Check with organizations directly for up- food truck. $50. VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com
dates/cancellations.
2|3 Riverside Theatre for Kids presents
Vero Beach Museum of Art: Changing Nature: A “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rein-
New Vision, Photographs by James Balog through Dec. deer JR.” on the Stark Stage. 772-231-6990 or
31 and Picasso, Matisse & Friends: Drawings from a RiversideTheatre.com
Private Collection through Jan. 8. 772-231-0707
3 Glass Blowing demonstration by artists
Riverside Theatre: Weekly Friday and Sat- from the Duncan McClellan Gallery, 11 a.m.
urday Comedy Zone and Live on the Loop con- to 2 p.m. outdoors at Vero Beach Museum of Art,
certs. RiversideTheatre.com featuring detailed glassblowing techniques from
their mobile hot shop. Free. VBMuseum.org

First Friday Gallery Strolls in Downtown Vero 3 Singer-Songwriter Showcase, 11 a.m. (10
Beach Arts District, monthly from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. a.m. doors open) to 2 p.m. at Heaton’s
with live music and full food/beverage menu
DECEMBER offered, with a portion of proceeds benefiting
Jake Owen Foundation. Limited seating; two
2 Opening reception of FOCA, Friends of Con- drink minimum;. heatonsverobeach.com
temporary Art 2022 Exhibition featuring 26
local artists, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Center for Spir- 3 Art Exhibit and Fundraiser for the Unity
itual Care; exhibit runs thru Jan. 3. 772-567-1233 Community Organic Vegetable Garden, 3
p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Unity Spiritual Center of
2 Light Up Night, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. spon- VB. UnityofVero.org
sored by the Sebastian River Area Cham-
ber of Commerce, with participating businesses 3 Holiday Festival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Schacht
offering refreshments, holiday décor and activi- Groves & Market, with Santa and Mrs. Claus,
ties. SebastianChamber.com animals and children’s activities. Free. 772-562-5858

2 Rock and Roll Dance with the Riptide 3 Sebastian BrewFest, noon to 4 at River-
Band, 6 p.m. at and to benefit the Vero view Park hosted by Sebastian Rotary
(must be 21+). $35. SebastianBrewfest.com

70 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

CALENDAR

3 Vero Beach Christmas Parade hosted by Sun- 3|4 Jake Owen Flamingo Jam, joined 4 Enchanted Christmas Ball themed Aerial to celebrate and thank Richard and Juanita
rise Rotary Club of Vero Beach, 6 p.m. along by Tracy Lawrence, Travis Denning Antics Youth Circus performance spon- Baker for their leadership and promotion of
Ocean Drive, with live coverage on Facebook, and and Randy Owen, 5:30 p.m. VIP, 6 p.m. doors sored by COVB Recreation Dept., 2 p.m. and 6 environmental education. $30. PelicanIsland-
donations to TC Food Pantry collected at Riverside open at Corporate Air Hangar Sat. and Fish- p.m. at Vero Beach High School PAC. $8 adults; Audubon.org
Park. VeroBeachChristmasParade.org ing Classic, 6 a.m. Sun. at Riverside Café, all to $7 children/seniors. 772-770-3775 or COVB.org.
benefit the Jake Owen Foundation. JakeOwen 7 Home Court Advantage Gala, 6 p.m. at the
3 Candlelight Ball to benefit Hibiscus Chil- Foundation.org 4 Vero Beach Choral Society’s holiday- Oak Harbor Club, with dinner and dancing
dren’s Center, 6 p.m. at Oak Harbor Club, themed Winter Concert, followed by Viv- to benefit Crossover Mission. $175. 772-257-
with cocktails, dinner and dancing. $250. 772- 4 Winter Bazaar at Walking Tree Brewery, aldi’s Gloria, with the VBHS Choir and First Pres- 5400
299-6011 x 313 with art and handmade goods by local in- byterian Youth Symphonic Orchestra, 4 p.m. at
dependent artisans. WalkingTreeBrewery.com First Presbyterian Church. Free; $10 donation 7 Indian River Land Trust Annual Benefit
3 Sinatra Musical starring Tony Sands, fea- suggested. 305-797-7177 to celebrate land conservation, 6 p.m. at
turing the life, times and music of Frank 4 Fire&IcethemedHolidaysattheMuseum,1to4 Rock City Gardens, with cocktails and dinner,
Sinatra, 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center. $35. p.m. at Vero Beach Museum of Art, with docent 5 Pelican Island Audubon Society Apprecia- live music and auctions. $250. 772-794-0701or
772-778-5249 ledtoursandchildren’sactivities. Free.VBMuseum.org tion Party, 6 p.m. at the Heritage Center irlt.org

Solutions from Games Pages ACROSS DOWN 9 Lagoon Lantern Walk at the Environmen-
in November 24, 2022 Edition 1 WRITERS 2 WOOED tal Learning Center, 5 p.m. with lantern
5 REIGN 2 ICE making, Aerial Antics performances, campfire
8 OMEGA 3 EXAMPLE and s’mores. $5 to $35. Pre-registration re-
9 RODENTS 4 SARNIE quired. Discoverelc.org
10 DECEPTION 5 RADON
12 RAG 6 IGNORAMUS 9 Masquerade Fur Ball to benefit H.A.L.O.
13 RUBBER 7 NOSEGAY Rescue, 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. VIP) at Cobalt,
14 CLUMSY 11 CABRIOLET with dinner, entertainment, auction and rescue
17 SKI 13 RESTORE animals. $250. HaloRescueFl.org
18 MORTALSIN 15 LEARNED
20 ORLANDO 16 BROOCH 9-11 Vero Beach Theatre Guild
21 NYLON 18 MINOR presents “Love, Loss & What I
23 ENTER 19 NONET Wore,” a stage reading in the Studio Theatre.
24 HIDEOUT 22 LOO VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com or 772-562-8300

Sudoku Page 38 Sudoku Page 39 Crossword Page 38 Crossword Page 39 (THE HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE 2)

VERO BEACH 32963 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Advertising Vero Beach Services | If you would like your business to appear in our directory, please call 772-633-0753

Nutmeg Property Management POWELL SHOES L. Walton Electric, Inc.
PEDORTHIC FACILITY
Servicing Vero Beach 860-918-4891 State Certified Electrical Contractor EC13003596
• Custom Molded Orthotics
Home Improvement Gutter Cleaning • Custom Molded Shoes • Diabetic Shoes • Elevation Tom G. Walton
Handy Man Services Debris & Trash
Gutter Repair Removal Althea Powell, Board Certified Pedorthist State Licensed Serving the Treasure Coast since 1984
2686 U.S. HWY 1 • VERO BEACH, FL
772-569-1547 • [email protected]
www.powellshoes.com • 772.562.9045 Residential • Commercial • Industrial
And all your service needs

GETTING BIT?

MOSQUITO SHIELD
CAN HELP.

(772) 213-8403
MoshieldVB.com

GET FIT FOR BETTER GOLF! Perfection
one cut
REDUCED PAIN! • IMPROVED SCORE! • MORE FUN! at a time

Experienced Golf 772-539-3365
Fitness Professional
Certified Personal Trainer 20% DISCOUNT FOR ALL NEW CUSTOMERS
Certified TPI Instructor

FITGOLFOFVEROBEACH.COM

Call Jeff Now!

813-601-3878

CASUALLY ELEGANT COMPOUND
INCLUDES GUEST HOUSE AND POOL

2110 Captains Walk in Oceanside: 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 3,848-square-foot home with guest house offered
for $2,195,000 by Bob Faller, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty: 772-538-5206

72 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

REAL ESTATE

Casually elegant compound includes guest house and pool

BY STEPHANIE LABAFF But it wasn’t until they toured Vero lending the finely appointed home a large, dark, wooden door opens into
Staff Writer Beach that they found the place they relaxed elegance a foyer that leads to the living room.
wanted to be. “There’s just something
The home at 2110 Captains Walk about Vero,” says Jennifer. A driveway of brick pavers leads to The living room at the center of the
in Oceanside has been the perfect the three-car, air-conditioned, side- house is the hub of activity, where
place for Jennifer and William Elia- The Oceanside neighborhood is entry garage. The generous carpark Jennifer says the family loves to gath-
son to raise their daughters. As a great for everyone, from young fami- on the west side of the house provides er in front of the wood-burning stone
lies to professionals to retirees, ac- plenty of room to store a boat or rec- fireplace. From there, the house splits

matter of fact, it’s been a wonderful cording to the couple. reational vehicle, handle overflow into an east wing and a west wing.
multigenerational home, with the “The neighborhood is quiet. The parking or shoot some hoops. According to Berkshire Hathaway
addition of a guesthouse for extra
space. neighbors are great. The streets are From the driveway, you can head HomeServices residential specialist
wide, and you’re right down the street through a gate to the guesthouse, Bob Faller, the split-plan layout works
William had lived in South Florida from the beach. What’s not to love which has a bedroom, bath, kitch- well for any size family.
when he was younger and always here?” Jennifer says. en and seating area, or turn toward
wanted to return. When a busi- the front of the main house, where a The eastern wing includes a den
ness opportunity arose, the couple Built by a homebuilder as his per- and the owner’s suite with a raised
jumped at the chance and began ex- sonal residence, the house has a num-
ploring places like Boca Raton and ber of interesting details, ranging
Jupiter. from crown molding to tray ceilings
and built-ins to recessed lighting,

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 73

REAL ESTATE

seating area, coral stone gas fire- closing drawers. A pantry, an island
place, large walk-in closet and bath- at the center of the area and a break-
room completing the owner’s private fast bar allow plenty of space for meal
domain. In the bath, a jetted tub, wa- prep and afternoon snacks while the
ter closet, dual sinks and shower with kids do their homework.
dual heads are integral to the luxuri-
ous surroundings. A breakfast nook, a wet bar and
the family room encourage intimate
The dining room and a powder chats during family gatherings. Just
room sit just off the front entry, wel- off the family room, a pocket door
coming guests to the western wing closes off a third guest or child’s bed-
of the house. Two bedrooms sharing room, pool bathroom, and a door
a Jack and Jill bathroom are tucked leading outside.
away, giving them a bit of separation
from the rest of the house. The screen-enclosed lanai can be
accessed through French doors from
Nearby, the laundry room and ga- the living room, family room and
rage access make it convenient to the owner’s suite, allowing guests to
bring groceries into the beautifully easily flow in and out of the defined
appointed kitchen. Black and white spaces. The covered area is a great
marble countertops are a lovely con- spot to enjoy the outdoors, away from
trast to the white cabinets with soft the sun and rain.

74 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

REAL ESTATE

A freeform, spillover hot tub and lush vegetation. All the plantings There’s plenty of room to store “You don’t feel like you have neigh-
freeform swimming pool with tile work harmoniously to create a private surfboards, fishing gear and yard bors here,” says Jennifer.
fish and crabs decorating the bottom oasis for the family to gather and en- equipment in a handy storage shed
are great places to hang out while joy the spacious outdoor areas. and then rinse off in the outdoor “The beach access here gives them
lunch is being prepared on the gas shower. 5 miles of quiet ‘private’ beach-
grill, using gas piped in from a large, “The lanai is fantastic, and I love es. There’s no public access to the
buried tank. that there are so many different plac- Sited on three-quarters of an acre, beach from Round Island Park to
es to go outside,” says Jennifer, not- the lot has room for everyone to the south all the way up to the South
Outside, you know you live “where ing the screened pool, adjacent fire spread out. The back and side yards Beach area,” says Faller, noting that
the tropics began” as you admire the pit area and pergola just off the guest are fenced, so there’s a large area for Oceanside residents can access the
variety of palm trees alongside other house. the children and dogs to run. beach – and nearby Moorings Yacht

Proudly Serving the Treasure Coast ISA Certified
for over 40 years Arborist

640 Old Dixie Highway Hazardous
Vero Beach, FL 32962 Tree Removal

772-569-3874 Oak Tree
[email protected] Trimming
Specialist

Professional
Mangrove
Trimmers

Fully Licensed
and Insured

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 75

REAL ESTATE

& Country Club – via golf cart. short drive away from Riverside
Oceanside is located on the east Theatre, the Vero Beach Museum
of Art and the famous Ocean Drive
side of A1A, adjacent to The Moor- shopping, dining and resort dis-
ings community, minutes from trict. 
Saint Edward’s School, and just a

VITAL STATISTICS • 2110 CAPTAINS WALK

Neighborhood: Oceanside • Year built: 1999
Construction: Concrete block, frame, with stucco
Lot size: 158 feet by 162 feet • Home size: 3,848 square feet
Bedrooms: 4 • Bathrooms: 3 full baths and 1 half-bath

View: Swimming pool • Pool: Heated with spa
Additional features: Detached guest house with an additional bedroom,
bathroom and kitchen; crown molding; two fireplaces; plantation shutters;
built-ins; den; wet bar with wine cooler; engineered wood floors; jetted
tub; walk-in closets; whole-house generator; central vacuum; three-car,
air-conditioned garage; storage shed; impact windows and doors; hurri-
cane shutters; outdoor shower; screened enclosure; and fenced backyard

Listing agency: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
Listing agent: Bob Faller, 772-538-5206
Listing price: $2,195,000

76 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

REAL ESTATE

Mortgage rates post biggest drop since 1981, falling to 6.61%

BY PRASHANT GOPAL
Bloomberg

Mortgage rates in the U.S. faced
the biggest weekly decline in nearly
41 years, providing some relief after a
rapid run-up that quickly priced out
many homebuyers.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed
mortgage was 6.61 percent, the lowest
level in almost two months, Freddie

Mac said in a statement last Thursday.
Last week, the average was 7.08 per-
cent.

The results reflect a change in Fred-
die Mac’s methodology that the com-
pany says will provide a broader, more
accurate view of the mortgage market.
Instead of surveying lenders, it now
uses data collected by its automated
underwriting system to calculate av-
erage rates.

Borrowing costs tracked a decline in
yields for 10-year Treasuries after the
government reported last week that
inflation eased in October. Investors
are viewing the consumer-price data
as a sign that the Federal Reserve may
begin to temper its interest-rate hikes
in the coming months. Fed Chair Je-
rome Powell, however, has said it’s
premature to consider a pause.

“Mortgage rates tumbled [last] week
due to incoming data that suggests in-
flation may have peaked,” said Sam
Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief econo-
mist. “While the decline in mortgage
rates is welcome news, there is still a
long road ahead for the housing mar-
ket. Inflation remains elevated, the
Federal Reserve is likely to keep inter-
est rates high and consumers will con-
tinue to feel the impact.”

Mortgage rates that have doubled
this year have depressed demand for
homes, causing builders to pull back
on construction and pushing sellers
to cut their asking prices. While the
latest decline in rates offers a reprieve,
the recent volatility in borrowing
costs is “causing a large degree of un-
certainty” for both house-hunters and
owners considering listing their prop-
erties, said George Ratiu, manager of
economic research at Realtor.com.

“Some buyers may want to wait and
see if rates will drop even lower,” Ratiu
said.

“However, with inflation still north
of 7 percent and the Fed commit-
ted to keep increasing the funds rate
over the next few months, the mort-
gage market is not out of the woods.
We may still see rates rebound back
above 7 percent before the end of the
year.” 



78 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

REAL ESTATE

What it’s like to buy and sell in
the new, weird housing market

BY RACHEL KURZIUS slowed. For sellers who, a year ago,
THE Washington Post watched their neighbors field multi-
ple contingency-free offers, the idea
When Larry Frum listed his town- of having to negotiate can be tough
house in Laurel, Md., this past Au- to accept. Buyers, meanwhile, may
gust, his real estate agent assured not have to compete, but their mon-
him that it would sell in three or four ey won’t go as far.
days. But that’s not what happened
for the communications profession- Often, in this new, weird housing
al, who needed to relocate to Seattle market, nobody really feels like a win-
by the end of September for a new job. ner. Many buyers have given up, at least
temporarily, as a result of soaring rates.

“Three to four days became a Emma Aarnes and her husband
week, and then it became two weeks, began hunting for a two-bedroom
and then it became a month,” he apartment in their Manhattan
says. At two months, Frum reduced neighborhood in spring after find-
the price by $20,000. ing out they were expecting a baby.
In June, when the Federal Reserve
Such a move would have been un- raised interest rates by the larg-
usual only weeks earlier. In July, the est amount since 1994, the couple’s
average home in Frum’s area was search took on more urgency. By
selling for over asking in about 12 July, they’d found an ideal co-op, but
days. He had entered the market, it the very same day they made an of-
turns out, during the final gasp of fer, the Fed hiked rates again.
the nationwide seller’s bonanza that
finally stalled once interest rates “We were like, ‘OK, we’re stretched
climbed high enough. By the time as is. And if the interest rates keep
Frum’s townhouse was for sale, they going up, our confidence in being
had risen from the historic lows of a able to sell our current apartment
couple of years prior to about 5 per- [will go] way down,’” Aarnes says.
cent. In October, they hit 7 percent, The couple decided to pull their of-
or more than double what they had fer. “So we are still in our one-bed-
been at the beginning of 2022, put- room, which we have rearranged so
ting mortgage payments out of reach that there is a nursery for our incom-
for many buyers. ing arrival.”

As a result, the rhythms of buy- For buyers still on the hunt despite
ing and selling have significantly the rates, the decreased competition

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 79

REAL ESTATE

means they can actually negotiate their mortgage rates (when you pay rates long-term are now looking at Some sellers have started adver-
and take a night (or two or three) a fee at closing to knock down the monthly payments that may be un- tising these sweeteners right out
to consider their purchase. “They rate). affordable. of the gate, including offers to help
don’t have to make a buying deci- with closing costs in the listings
sion within a couple of hours, which Peter Anderson is getting ready to For one set of clients, Levack says, themselves. Others need more con-
is what it was like a year ago,” says sell his home in Coeur d’Alene, Ida- she approached the builder to say her vincing.
Seth Neal, an agent with Silvercreek ho. “We needed a new roof, which buyers would have to back out “un-
Realty Group in Boise, Idaho. What’s we went and did this summer, and less you guys do something.” In re- “I’ve seen a lot of people who have
more, they can conduct a proper we had to buy a new heat pump in turn, the builder gave them $46,000 listed a little high based on prices
home inspection; there’s much less the spring,” he says. “A year ago, we to buy down their rate. A year or from the summer, early spring, and
pressure to waive appraisal or fi- probably could have sold the house two ago, Levack says, the reaction [the listings are] just kind of sitting
nancing contingencies either. as is and not had to do that.” would’ve been more along the lines there,” says Mackenzie Grate, an
of: “ ‘Fine, walk away. We’re going to agent with the Machree Group in New
Offers using nonconventional fi- Levack worked with buyers who sell this house for more money any- York. “They’re not quite willing to ac-
nancing, such as Federal Housing put contracts on new-construction way.’ And now they are struggling to cept that the market has shifted.”
Administration and Veterans Af- homes last December, when rates move their inventory, and they’re of-
fairs loans, or first-time home buyer were about 3 percent. The buyers fering all kinds of incentives.” Levack has been warning sellers
assistance programs, now stand a who didn’t pay extra to lock in those
chance in a way they didn’t during CONTINUED ON PAGE 81
the buying frenzy, when sellers had
their pick of all-cash offers or offers
with conventional financing.

Nonetheless, buyers must still
contend with high prices, because
sellers have one major bargaining
chip left: The number of homes for
sale remains excruciatingly low. The
same economic uncertainty keeping
a lot of buyers on the sidelines is also
discouraging many would-be sell-
ers from listing. The scarce supply of
houses on the market is the reason
that prices haven’t declined much if
at all. (The Federal National Mort-
gage Association predicts an average
home price decline of 1.5 percent in
2023.)

One additional twist for buyers:
Even with 7 percent interest rates,
some are finding that renting isn’t
any better. As of August, rents na-
tionally had risen more than 12 per-
cent over the past year, according to
data from Zillow.

Middle school teacher Binh Thai
started looking to buy after his
Brooklyn landlord raised his rent
last summer by nearly 80 percent,
from $3,100 a month to $5,500. When
Thai began his search in August,
lenders were quoting him rates of 4.9
percent. Now that he’s found a place,
he’s looking at 6.9 percent. But that
monthly payment still comes out to
less than his new rent.

“I have had moments where I was
like, ‘Am I making a mistake?’ ” he
says. “Ultimately, this is my one op-
portunity. I’ve always wanted to own
a home. With a teacher’s salary, it’s
been really challenging.”

Sellers have their whole own set
of challenges these days and have to
hustle to make deals happen. “List-
ing agents and sellers are having to
work a lot harder than they did in
the last couple of years,” says Erika
Levack, an agent with Compass in
Austin.

Sellers are now assisting with clos-
ing costs and are offering to make
repairs. Many are helping their buy-
ers cover the cost of “buying down”

80 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Sales on the Barrier Island: Nov. 17 to Nov. 23

The week leading up to Thanksgiving saw relatively little real estate activity on the
barrier island with only three transactions recorded.

The featured sale of the week was of a Harbour Side condo in The Moorings.
Penthouse B at 1821 Mooringline Drive was listed on Sept. 20 for $545,000. The sale
closed on Nov. 18 for $530,000.

The seller in the transaction was represented by Judy Hargarten of The Moorings
Realty Sales Co. The purchaser was represented by Daina Bertrand, also of The
Moorings Realty Sales Co.

TOWNHOMES, VILLAS, CONDOS, MULTIFAMILY AND INVESTMENT

SUBDIVISION ADDRESS LISTED ORIGINAL MOST RECENT SOLD SELLING
ASKING PRICE ASKING PRICE PRICE

$725,000
SEA OAKS 8835 W ORCHID ISLAND CIR, #605 5/20/2022 $1,395,000 $870,000 11/18/2022

HARBOUR SIDE II 1821 MOORINGLINE DR, #PH-B 9/20/2022 $545,000 $545,000 11/18/2022 $530,000

HARBOUR ISLAND CLUB 5101 HIGHWAY A1A, #108 10/4/2022 $400,000 $400,000 11/22/2022 $350,000

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 81

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 79 REAL ESTATE

that the market is changing every the same floor plan and finishes of a listed in August so he could move
few weeks. nearby home that sold for more than for a new job, finally got an offer on
$1 million last November. “We are in his townhouse in October. As part of
To arrive at a realistic listing price, contract for below that, and that’s the terms, Frum will have to pay the
she says, “we have to look at the data just the nature of where things are,” buyer’s closing costs.
very closely.” What it reveals can be she says.
painful. When he gets to Seattle, he plans
Frum, the Maryland seller who to rent. 
Levack has a listing in Austin with

82 Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

REAL ESTATE

Here are some of the top recent barrier island sales.

Subdivision: Sea Oaks, Address: 8835 W Orchid Island Cir, #605

Listing Date: 5/20/2022
Original Price: $1,395,000
Recent Price: $870,000
Sold: 11/18/2022
Selling Price: $725,000
Listing Agent: Fran Smyrk

Selling Agent: ONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty

Susie Wilson

Susie Wilson Real Estate PA

Subdivision: Harbour Island Club, Address: 5101 Highway A1A, #108

Listing Date: 10/4/2022
Original Price: $400,000
Recent Price: $400,000
Sold: 11/22/2022
Selling Price: $350,000
Listing Agent: Mette Seaton

Selling Agent: Keller Williams Realty

Mette Seaton

Keller Williams Realty of VB

AMERICANS ARE MOVING TO
MEXICO AT RECORD PACE AS

REMOTE WORK BECKONS

BY JOSE OROZCO AND RAFAEL GAYOL What started off as a pandemic es-
Bloomberg cape for Americans seeking afford-
able destinations with few Covid-19
American citizens are settling in restrictions seems to have staying
Mexico at rates not seen since compa- power. The increased presence of
rable data became available in 2010, Americans, many of them remote
with permits to reside temporarily in workers, has implications for every-
the country soaring 85 percent from thing from the tourism industry to
the year before the pandemic. real-estate prices.

While U.S. authorities struggle Unlike Mexicans in the US, Ameri-
to contain record numbers of mi- cans can work in the Latin American
grants at the border with Mexico, nation for as much as six consecu-
that country granted 8,412 permits tive months under their tourist visas
to Americans through September, provided they are paid abroad. And
compared to 4,550 in the first three while technically it isn’t allowed,
quarters of 2019, according to a many choose to go back to the U.S.
Mexican government migration re- briefly and reenter Mexico to renew
port. their six-month period in the country
and keep working.
That number may be just a fraction
of the influx of U.S. expats as Mexico Overall, 10 million American tour-
has said for years that the true figure ists arrived in Mexico by air through
of Americans moving to its shores is September, an increase of almost 24
undercounted. More Americans also percent from the same period in 2019,
received permanent residence this according to the CICOTUR research
year, with the number rising 48 per- center at Anahuac University. Inter-
cent from 2019 to 5,418. national tourists overall spent $17.7

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / December 1, 2022 83

REAL ESTATE

billion in Mexico through August of ment announced an alliance with The city government is studying counted 797,266 U.S. citizens includ-
this year, 13 percent more than in the Airbnb Inc. and the country’s UNES- whether the home-sharing company ing 471,998 U.S.-born children be-
same period in 2019, according to the CO office to promote the capital as contributes to rising rents, though tween ages five and 19.
tourism ministry. a destination for remote workers. so far it sees no relation, Sheinbaum
Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said that said. The preference of many Americans
Many of these travelers stay for the economic benefits of the influx owes itself, in part, to decades of ag-
weeks or months at a time to work would reach communities beyond More Canadians are staying on in gressive courtship from Mexico, Ruiz
remotely, but there are no official the traditional tourist hubs. Mexico, too. Through September, Soto said.
numbers on how many because 2,042 Canadians obtained temporary
they’re a “population that tends to “We want now to promote it even residence permits nationwide, a 137 “Mexico’s immigration system
be too mobile to be counted,” said more,” Sheinbaum said at a press percent increase from the same pe- is meant to attract U.S. citizens as
Ariel Ruiz Soto, a policy analyst at conference. riod in 2019. easily and as quickly as possible,”
the Washington-based Migration he said.
Policy Institute. Tenants rights groups called the alli- The U.S. State Department said
ance with Airbnb part of an “aggressive this year that 1.6 million US citizens In opposition to that, Ruiz Soto
The top destination for these touristification” of Mexico City and de- live in Mexico and that the coun- added, “the U.S. immigration sys-
temporary American residents in manded regulation of the home rental try is the top destination for Ameri- tem is meant to deter Mexicans who
Mexico isn’t a beach resort, but the company, according to a statement. can travelers. Mexico’s 2020 Census would come irregularly into the
country’s capital, Mexico City. They country from doing that.” 
obtained 1,619 permits in the na-
tion’s capital through September.
That’s already more than the 1,417
from all of 2019.

The rise in Americans staying lon-
ger troubles some locals concerned
about the cost of living, especially in
some of the historic neighborhoods
that are their prime destinations in
Mexico City. Social media is rife with
complaints about the so-called digi-
tal nomads and their supposed im-
pact on rising rents.

In the leafy, walkable Condesa
neighborhood, a favorite of well-
heeled foreigners, apartment rents
rose by 32 percent between January
and June, according to a report from
real estate marketplace Propiedades.
com. Nationwide annual inflation
stayed at 8.7 percent in September.

Recently, Mexico City’s govern-

The Vero Beach Barrier Island Newspaper www.vb32963online.com

December 1, 2022 Volume 15, Issue 48 Newsstand Price $1.00